Are you feeling nervous about giving a best man speech? You’re not alone. Many men get butterflies in their stomachs at the thought of standing up in front of a crowd and delivering a speech.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 tips for writing a best man speech that will help you get through it:
1. Start Early
The sooner you start writing your speech, the better. This will give you time to edit and fine-tune it, so it’s perfect when the big day comes.
2. Keep It Short And Sweet
No one wants to sit through a long, drawn-out speech. Keep yours concise and to the point – around 5 minutes is ideal.
3. Personalize It
Your speech should be about the groom, not you. Talk about your shared experiences and memories, and what makes him a great friend.
4. Avoid Inside Jokes
Unless you’re 100% sure everyone in the audience will get the joke, avoid it. You don’t want to alienate anyone with your humour.
5. Use Proper Grammar And Punctuation
This is not the time to text-speak or use slang terms. Write out your speech using proper grammar and punctuation, and then practice reading it aloud so you know how it sounds.
6. Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse!
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel on the big day. Record yourself reading the speech, and then listen back to it to catch any mistakes.
7. Make Eye Contact
When you’re delivering your speech, make sure to make eye contact with as many people in the room as possible. This will help keep everyone engaged.
8. Use Props If Necessary
If you have props that will help illustrate your points, use them! But don’t go overboard – a few well-placed items are all you need.
9. Be Yourself
Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The audience wants to hear from the real you, so just be natural and relaxed.
10. Enjoy Yourself!
This is a special day for you and the groom, so savour every moment. Have fun with your speech, and enjoy the festivities!
By following these tips, you’ll be able to write a best man speech that will have everyone in the room laughing, crying and cheering – just like the groom!
10 Things You Should Never Say To A Groom on His Wedding Day
1. “Don’t worry, it’ll all be over soon.”
2. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
3. “You look a little nervous.”
4. “Don’t forget, you’re the one who has to make this last.”
5. “Do you have any cold feet?”
6. “It’s not too late to back out if you’re having second thoughts.”
7. “Your bride is a lucky woman.”
8. “I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”
9. “This is a big step – are you sure you’re ready for it?”
10. “Enjoy this day while it lasts – it’ll be over before you know it!”
Best Man Speech Inspiration, Tips & Sample
When it comes time to give a best man speech, it’s important to be prepared. This is your chance to honour the groom and share some words of wisdom or inspiration with the wedding guests.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered some tips and examples of great best-man speeches. Use these as a starting point to craft your unique speech.
Best Man Speech Tips:
- Start by introducing yourself and telling the guests how you know the groom.
- Share a funny story or two about the groom – everyone loves a good laugh!
- Offer some words of wisdom or advice for the newlyweds.
- Thank the bride and her family for making you feel welcome.
- Raise a toast to the happy couple.
Best Man Speech Sample:
“I’m honoured to be standing here as best man today. I’ve known Mike since we were kids and I can honestly say that he’s one of the good guys. He’s always been there for me, and I know he’ll be a great husband to Jenna.
I remember one time when we were in college…Mike had this crazy idea to jump into the fountain on campus. We all told him he was crazy, but he did it anyway. And when he got out, he was covered in algae and smelled like a swamp! But he just laughed it off. That’s the kind of guy he is.
So, to Mike and Jenna, I wish you all the happiness in the world. I know you’ll make each other laugh, support each other through thick and thin, and build a beautiful life together. Cheers!”